It has been a long time since Toto went into the studio to record a prolific piece of work. Well that wait is over; Through The Looking Glass is a real prime slice of classic rock music. At first, I felt taken aback to see that it was all covers on this CD, and then all that changed as soon as I started to listen to it.

This band has always had great musicians and their sound has continually benefited from that ongoing excellence. In addition, there are devout listeners because of it. I noticed long ago how razor sharp the production and musicianship was in this group, they were always a step ahead of everyone else. This release makes no exceptions and continues the tradition and legacy of this great band.

The spectrum of music that is covered is mind boggling to say the least. All eleven tracks are standout pieces of rock-pop enchantment. It is clear to me that any of these songs could be a hit single. "Bodhisattva" by Steely Dan is an excellent cover. The guitar playing is more than commendable. They manage to sound like Toto and the groups that they cover in synchronicity. That is a monumental accomplishment. I imagine somehow, it was probably another day at the office for this exceptional band. "Sunshine Of Your Love" is incredible, the members of Cream will be quite pleased when they hear it. It really smokes with some red-hot licks from Steve Lukather. It packs such a powerful punch that it is unforgettable. Elton John's "Burn Down The Mission" is drenched with Bobby Kimball's emotive vocals, and the musical accompaniment is equal to the task. Al Green's "I Can't Get Next To You" reminded me of the raucous Savoy Brown version that has an irresistible magnetic beat. Dylan's bluesy "It Takes A Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry" is the curtain closer, and it gives notice that this band is serious about celebrating their 25th Anniversary.

What a rock 'n' roll party this is; they really have outdone themselves and have shown the world that they are back, and stronger than ever. What amazes me is that they accomplished this by covering songs other than their own. What makes this recording so abundant with the history and color of the music that we all have come to know and cherish, is the bands ability to emulate each group's unique sound while maintaining their own identity.

The moment is now to have a peak through the looking glass of time through the eyes of one of the greatest rock-pop bands of all time. I promise you, you will not be able to stop listening to this CD. Anyone that only has an ounce of interest in music will love this album.

Tracklisting: Could You Be Loved (feat. James Ingram) (3:47) / Bodhisattva (4:51) / As My Guitar Gently Weeps (5:15) / I Can't Get Next To You (4:04) / Livin' For The City (5:49) / Maiden Voyage/Butterfly (7:33) / Burn Down The Mission (6:28) / Sunshine Of Your Love (5:13) / House Of The Rising Sun (4:40) / Watching the Detectives (4:04) / It Takes A Lot to Laugh, It Takes A Train to Cry (3:52)

Discography:Toto (1977)Hydra (1979)Turn Back (1981)IV (1982)Isolation (1984)Fahrenheit (1986)The Seventh One (1987)
Past To Present (1990)Kingdome Of Desire (1992)Absolutely Live (1993)
Tambu (1995)Best Ballads (1995)Legend: The Best Of Toto (1996)Greatest Hits (1996)XX (1998)Mindfields (1999)Livefields (1999)Super Hits (2001)Hold The Line - The Very Best Of Toto (2001)Greatest Hits ? And More (2002)Through The Looking Glass (2002)Love Songs (2003)Africa (2003)The Essential Toto (2003)Live In Amsterdam (2003)Rosanna - The Very Best Of Toto (2005)Falling In Between (2006)Falling In Between Live (2007)The Very Best Of Toto & Foreigner (2007)Hit Collection (2007)The Collection (2008)Playlist: The Very Best Of Toto (2009)Africa - The Best Of Toto (2009)Gold - Greatest Hits (2009)